Private and Family Lawyers in York, UK | Divorce Lawyers in York

Getting in touch with an organisation which fully understands the dilemmas and practicalities of becoming a one-parent family can be extremely helpful.

The following content is reproduced directly from a leaflet by an organisation called One Parent Families:

One Parent Families exists to help lone parents to obtain the necessary information and support necessary to challenge the effects of poverty and isolation. Our services aim to promote self help and mutual endeavour because we believe that by working together lone parents can transform disadvantage into a more positive future.

OPF offers play space for children, benefits advice information and support. Contact them at:

One Parent Families
21 Priory Street
YORK
YO1 6ET
Tel: 01904 610268

Children are not directly involved in the mediation process as described in the previous fact file, but if there are issues where it is important for their views and feelings to be heard, a separate appointment can also be arranged with your children.

Both parents will however have to agree that such a meeting would be helpful.

Mediation has become more important recently as not only will it be the first consideration made by a Court if asked to resolve issues of dispute concerning your children but, even if you are financially eligible for Public Funding (formerly Legal Aid) to take such Court proceedings you will not receive such Funding until you have attended at least one appointment with a mediator to consider whether your dispute could not be better resolved by way of mediation.

Only in rare circumstances such as where there has been domestic violence between your former partner and yourself will Public Funding (subject to financial and merit eligibility) be awarded without the need for this initial mediation appointment.

Local agencies that offer mediation (conciliation) are:

York Family Mediation Service
The Old Coach House
Grange Garth
YORK
YO10 4BS
Tel: 01904 646068